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Abstract:

In Brief:

Severe calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is a progressive cardiac disease that predominantly affects elderly adults. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may provide an alternative for many patients. This overview of disease progression and discussion of different TAVI devices and insertion procedures provide information for nurses caring for patients with AS.

Abstract:

In Brief:

Inadequate anticoagulation among elderly individuals with atrial fibrillation is a common problem in hospital and home settings. New anticoagulants offer effective alternatives to warfarin (Coumadin) therapy and introduce new implications for practice, education, and research for nurses.

In Brief:

The purpose of this article was to urge all nurses to include both their first and last names when introducing themselves to patients, families, and health care colleagues. The current standard for professional nursing introductions for nurses providing direct patient care is unclear and warrants renewed discussion.

Abstract:

In Brief:

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is a leading innovator in health and health care improvement with a global following. The IHI BOpen School,[ an online community, currently includes hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. The annual Leadership Academy allows students to meet and network with other future nurses, physicians, and health care administrators. Scholarships recipients share their experiences from the 2014 IHI Open School Student Quality Leadership Academy.

Abstract:

In Brief:

Critically ill patients must maintain appropriate glycemic control in order to facilitate healing. This article discusses the current research on glucose control in medical and surgical patients, comparing intensive tight glucose control to more conventional glucose management and introducing rationale for evidence-based practice guidelines.

Abstract:

In Brief:

The purpose of this study was to examine reliability and validity of the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) in a general population of adult, critically ill patients. The CPOT was developed to evaluate behaviors associated with pain and validated primarily with cardiac surgical patients. Results indicate that the CPOT is an acceptable behavioral pain assessment scale for use in the general adult critical care patient population.

Abstract:

In Brief:

In 2004, practice standards for electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring were published to address the need for an expanded use of ECG monitoring beyond heart rate and basic rhythm determination. This article reports the data collected from a survey conducted to determine the extent to which practice standards have been adopted.

Abstract:

In Brief:

Adults with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk for stroke. New oral antithrombotic agents are now available to help prevent stroke and other thromboembolic events. This article provides an update on factors to consider when determining various treatment options for these high-risk patients in hopes of improving outcomes.